Kathmandu Residents Begin Returning to Villages Ahead of Upcoming By-Elections

Kathmandu. People working in various professions in Kathmandu are starting to return to their villages for voting in the House of Representatives by-election scheduled for Falgun 21.

Targeting the election, the Election Commission has decided to halt the operation of all vehicles except essential ones from 12:00 AM on Falgun 20 until 5:00 PM on Falgun 21. Accordingly, those returning to their villages now have only 5 days remaining.

Saroj Sitoula, Acting Chairman of the Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs National Federation, told Ratopati that it is estimated that about 7 to 8 lakh people will leave Kathmandu for the election.

Sitoula stated that the outflow of people has already begun in the last few days and this number is expected to increase further in the coming days. He mentioned that there is a significant rush, especially in Madhesh Province, due to the approaching Holi festival and the election.

Sitoula noted that while in past elections, political parties used to reserve a large number of vehicles and pay for voters' fares, this time that situation appears less common.

He said, 'Daily bookings are happening now; there isn't much pressure for advance bookings. More people are reserving vehicles themselves or in groups to travel, rather than parties reserving them to transport people.'

Furthermore, transport entrepreneurs stated that although there is no official information about parties directly paying money to ferry voters, the enthusiasm among people to go for the election is high.

Until When Can Vehicles Operate?

Targeting the election on Falgun 21, the Election Commission has decided to prohibit the operation of all public and private vehicles, except essential ones, from 12:00 AM on Falgun 20 until 5:00 PM on Falgun 21.

According to the Commission, during this period, vehicles for ambulances, fire engines, hearses, blood transfusion services, security agencies, electricity, drinking water, sewage, and telecommunication maintenance will be allowed to operate without hindrance. Other vehicles can only be operated after obtaining a pass from the Commission. The Commission stated that this decision was made to maintain peace, security, and order on election day.

Sitoula also clarified that the decision of the government and the Election Commission regarding the operation of vehicles during the election time will be final. 'We will follow whatever schedule the government and the Election Commission provide. Transportation will operate according to the schedule up until the day before the election,' he said. Currently, arrangements are being made to ensure vehicles reach all areas for the convenience of voters and the general public.